All articles tagged with #painkillers
A new study suggests that future painkillers could target specific receptors involved in pain signaling, such as the EP2 receptor in Schwann cells, allowing pain relief without hindering beneficial inflammation, potentially reducing side effects associated with current NSAIDs.
New research shows that common painkillers ibuprofen and acetaminophen can promote antibiotic resistance in bacteria, especially when used together, raising concerns about medication use in aged care and the broader implications for public health.
Chronic pain affects many people and can persist even after the initial cause is treated, often due to the body's pain system becoming oversensitized. Understanding the psychological and social impacts of chronic pain is crucial for effective management. Treatments range from traditional painkillers like NSAIDs and opioids to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage. Exercise and mental health support are also important in managing pain. Newer treatments, like spinal cord stimulators and mirror therapy, offer hope for those with severe or phantom pain. A holistic approach is increasingly recognized as essential for improving quality of life for chronic pain sufferers.
A study presented at the American Physiology Summit in California has found that even low doses of paracetamol, commonly used as a painkiller, can cause changes in proteins in the heart tissue of mice, potentially leading to heart damage. The research suggests that long-term medium- to high-dose use could result in heart issues due to oxidative stress or the buildup of toxins. The study's lead researcher recommends using paracetamol at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible, and advises against exceeding the recommended dosage.
Women who are on birth control pills and also take common painkillers, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may have an increased risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots, according to new research. The risk is higher for women using combined oral contraceptives containing third or fourth-generation progestins. The study suggests that women should be informed about the potential risks, and health authorities should consider these findings when assessing the safety of over-the-counter diclofenac. Alternatives to NSAIDs for pain relief should be considered for women on the pill.
A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that taking common painkillers, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while on hormonal contraception may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. The study found that the risk was greater in women using ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen while on combined pills containing progesterone and estrogen. However, the risk was smaller in women using progestogen-only pills, implants, and coils. While the risk is low, experts recommend informing women about the potential link between NSAIDs and hormonal contraception.
A study published in The Lancet has found that taking a painkilling tablet alongside the morning-after pill significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy compared to relying on emergency contraception alone. The combination of the anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam and the morning-after pill levonorgestrel prevented 95% of pregnancies, while levonorgestrel alone only prevented 63%. Experts suggest that governments and health services should consider offering both drugs routinely to women seeking to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. However, the study's findings may not apply universally, as the participants were predominantly Asian and had a lower body mass index.
As health care providers turn away from addictive opioid painkillers, other classes of drugs with painkilling properties are filling the gap. Gabapentin, duloxetine, ibuprofen, and non-narcotic analgesic medications are among the most commonly prescribed painkillers. Health care providers are also increasingly employing other types of pain therapy that don't involve pills, such as pain-relieving gels or patches or other holistic therapy treatments. Despite the changing trends, the opioid drug crisis has not gone away.
The DEA has announced that it will revoke the license of Morris & Dickson, one of the largest drug distributors in the US, to sell and ship highly addictive painkillers within 90 days if a negotiated settlement isn't reached. The company is accused of shipping opioid pain pills for years despite evidence of misuse. The action comes after a four-year delay and criticism of regulatory agencies for failing to crack down on corporations involved in the opioid crisis.
Scientists have discovered the genetic mutation that allows Jo Cameron, a 74-year-old grandmother from Scotland, to lead a virtually pain-free life. The mutation, housed in the FAAH-OUT gene, effectively 'turns down' a gene that regulates her pain, mood, and memory. The discovery may hold the key to developing better painkillers and has implications for areas of research such as wound healing and depression.
Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricket legend, revealed that he feared the end of his career due to a tennis elbow injury that troubled him in the mid-2000s. He had to take three painkillers a day to reduce the discomfort and pushed his body to the limit. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs, the only cricketer to have hit 100 international centuries, and the first to score a double century in ODIs.